
Book .V,i-1 'Ijg 



f'Op\Tiglii X"_ 



nM 



GOP^'RIGHT DEPOSIT. 



THE UNITY OF LIFE AND SPIRIT 



%\)t mnitp of 3life 
anbg)pirit 



J ,' 



Cl^e (Krafton prtsiiS 



Copyright, 1906, by The Grafton Press 



LIBRARY of CONGRESS 
Two CoDies Received 

MAR 3 1906 

/jr? Copyright Entry 
"CLASS CC ' XXc. No. 

I 3 ii^ ^0 

' ^ COPY b/ 






' t c 



To 

Mrs. Bentley Matthews 

This Volume is 
Affectionately Dedicated 

r 



CONTENTS 

PAGE 

Preface i 

The Unity of Life and Spirit 7 

A Promethean Prophecy 42 

Time and the Spirit of Man 50 

The Angel of Life 52 

Earnest Purpose 54 

Immortal Wisdom 55 

Broad Humanity 56 



PREFACE 

The world has outgrown the belief in man's original 
depravity and innate sinfulness. 

A Message of Hope, Love, and Regeneration has 
been unfolded. An uplifting philosophy has become 
the basis of our moral ethics — that God reveals 
Himself in man is the fundamental principle. If 
this is true, man must continually rise to higher 
levels. To do this, he passes through a discipline 
of suffering, pain and sorrow, and perhaps of sin 
and moral weakness, but the Divine element is 
dormant and will eventually assert itself. 

Knowing our heritage as sons of God, there are 
no heights to which we cannot reach. When under 
the control of our best thoughts, when our souls 
are lifted by aspiration, when we struggle and strive 
to realize our high ideals, 'tis then that the spirit of 
God moves within us. The Divinity of man is 

[I] 



PREFACE 

revealed and humanity becomes capable of infinite 
progression. Then is born the comforting Hope, 
which becomes Reality in every advancing step in 
man's career. His identity with God cannot be 
destroyed. From the humblest workman to the 
most gifted child of genius will emanate the hght 
Divine, to fulfil human destiny. 

God finds us when, in the silence of self-commun- 
ion, our spiritual natures rise uppermost. Man is 
revealed to himself when the influences of Truth, 
Beauty, and Love sway him. By this self-revelation 
he grasps in response the hand of the Deity, warm 
with the pulsations of a Divine Humanity, a hand 
ever leading upward and onward in its guidance. 

No matter how distorted by environment or edu- 
cation, man's divine nature can be evolved by influ- 
ence. When he can be persuaded to live up to high 
ideals, that will develop character and engender within 
him the altruistic sentiment that makes self-sacrifice 
a duty and a pleasure, it is then the true spirit of 
God will reign in our midst. 

[2] 



PREFACE 

When as a regenerating force man, as brother man, 
reaches out his hand to another, to bring him to the 
level of grace to which he belongs, the spirit will 
again reign, firm and strong, above all debasing 
influences. In the use of the world's great forces 
we need these spiritual teachers to lead us toward 
the upright, higher life, which will eventually rule 
the earth. 

The spirit is made manifest by noble deeds, by a 
kindling of enthusiasm which dares to aspire to 
accomplish everything, prompted by an unsatisfied 
desire for good, until virtue and righteousness rule 
supreme in our lives. Then we cast off the shackles 
of doubt and superstition, of depression and despair. 
All Truth becomes ours, because it is from God, of 
whom we are a part. It is the realization of this 
idea, which dignifies our work. 

When man realizes the intellectual treasures he is 
able to grasp, the deep unfolding of Thought which 
may be developed in his own mind, the heights of 
Spiritual truth to which he may aspire, the nobleness 

[3] 



PREFACE 

which can be interwoven in human character, there 
can exist no reason in self-disparagement. Self- 
confidence and self-respect should be inherent. 

A man's innate consciousness of ImmortaUty can 
never be destroyed. He can say, "I am one with 
the Divine Essence. I can put Ignorance, Dishonor, 
Falsehood beneath my feet. I can reach toward 
and obtain Righteousness by reason of my birth- 
right — my intellectual and spiritual Hneage." 

The truest religion is in putting our best thoughts, 
our holiest inspirations into action. In narrow creeds 
are found the limitations of spiritual life. The God 
within us breaks down these barriers. The soul is 
free. It feeds on truths, fresh from the garden of 
Heaven, ere the juices are dried by blind and bigoted 
prejudice. 

A man's liberal nature craves unextinguishable 
light, but Hght ever increasing in brilliancy and 
power, as intellect and spirit are true to their Divine 
origin. It is the gifted ones of earth who must 
reveal a message to their less favored brothers — a 

[4] 



PREFACE 

message that will elevate more and more, reaching 
upward until it meets the full promise of all the truth 
that lies in the heart and mind. It is the spiritual 
man who is the risen man, for he is the revelation of 
the God principle that abides within us all. Divinity 
no limitations give. Beyond the realm of earth our 
progress will be as boundless as Infinity. 



[s] 




THE UNITY OF LIFE AND SPIRIT 

UMANITY! Before thy shrine I kneel, 
God manifest within each mortal lives, 
Divinity no limitation gives, 
Life only hides what Death will yet reveal. 

Man dwells with God, eternal as the skies, 

Though dust to dust, he mingles with the earth, 
But his triumphant spirit, true to Celestial birth, 

To its Immortal source will ever rise. 

No life can fail that reaches out to see 

Pure, high ideals. These lift and consecrate 
The Aspiration of our human state, 

If noble aims become Reality. 

Life's discords rise; we struggle to suppress 

The sounds so harsh by all the Spirit's strength. 
But when true notes are found, the Song at length 

Breaks forth, in sweet accord with holiness. 

[7] 



THE UNITY OF LIFE AND SPIRIT 

Through furnace fires of sorrow and of pain 
We find the Wisdom, pure and undefiled, 
That Hfts the soul, to Heaven reconciled. 

Above all dross, which once had left its stain. 

No sin innate makes cowards in life's race, 
With guilt and shame the heritage of all; 
For we surmount the story of man's fall, 

When God reflects His light upon our face. 



II 



Man's life! God's boon for passing days and years, 
To gather roses from the paths around, 
To taste of Joy, to hear Grief's saddening sound, 

To rise in strength, as Hope again appears. 

Be thou as God, the source from whence man came, 
Then holy thought will blossom as a rose 
And, as a revelation, will disclose 

The radiant soul, with Light and Love aflame. 

[8] 



THE UNITY OF LIFE AND SPIRIT 

Mature the gift that thou canst call thine own, 
Unfold it to its highest strength and power, 
Uplift the souls that share it hour by hour, 

By spreading truth, where'er thy fruits are known. 



Ere Death can claim thee, cleanse thy soul anew, 
No more thy fleshly garments to bewail, 
By Sanctity pierce Error's misty veil. 

Which hides a God from all our human view. 



No darkness reigns, whene'er the curtain falls 
Before man's fleeting days upon Life's stage, 
For all inspiring thoughts from Youth to Age, 

Arise to light when Death, the Master, calls. 

He is the Sovereign over human clay. 

Whose frigid hand breaks all the potter's work, 
?.ut in this hand, the secret springs doth lurk. 

Which opens wide the portals of the day. 

[9] 



THE UNITY OF LIFE AND SPIRIT 

III 

When Thought and Love have entered in the soul, 
To keep it free from every earthly flaw, 
Men's deeds become as God's own written law, 

To lead all Hves to their Eternal goal. 

To every soul God's secrets are unveiled. 
Made manifest in perfect works and deeds, 
No living Truth from wakened lives recedes, 

But stands a fortress, ever unassailed. 

Life's bitter fruit we taste by Grief and Pain, 
But 'neath the struggle we can e'er renew 
The spirit's strength, all weakness to subdue, 

That in the heart the peace of God may reign. 

From hopes fulfilled in ardent, eager youth, 
From vigorous contest of maturer age. 
We meet the fate of human heritage, 

To pluck at last the full-bloomed rose of Truth. 

[lo] 



THE UNITY OF LIFE AND SPIRIT 

Bind not thy spirit, cramp it not by walls 
Of hard conventions, but let it find 
Its scope and use from each aspiring mind, 

From every heart, that Error's face appalls. 

Where lives the spirit, where doth it abound? 
In Nature's forms, in pure and holy thought. 
In Art and Life — wherever Truth has sought 

A dwelling place, its presence e'er is found. 

Within an inner world are regions blest 

With Light and Love, whose Joy we ever feel — 
The greatest boon the spirit can reveal. 

To free the soul from questioning unrest. 



IV 



Look on thy brother, as the Maker sees 
All hidden traits, that 'neath the surface lie, 
His aim, his purity, his purpose high, 

His faith and love, from which dishonor flees. 



THE UNITY OF LIFE AND SPIRIT 

Come close to human hearts, bearing thy gifts, 
The smile of love, of confidence and trust, 
Let not thy words be scattered as the dust. 

But hallowed by a message that upUfts. 

The soul's deep meaning, with electric thrill, 
A sympathetic glance will oft convey. 
For hearts can feel w^hat tongues can never say. 

While grasping hands Life's mission help fulfil. 



Not by the form or feature do we see 

Our brother man. His nature is concealed, 
'Till by the spirit's converse is revealed 

The inner source of true identity. 



Men serve the best, who follow close the law 
Of altruistic work, who smile and laugh. 
When other ones but bitter dregs would quaff 

And 'round their hves gloom's curtains tightly draw. 

[12] 



THE UNITY OF LIFE AND SPIRIT 

Ennoble self by deep aspiring Thought, 
Reach out to tread the higher, better plane, 
Be purified by sacrifice and pain. 

Fulfil the truth each earnest one has sought. 

Soul-blessed from his Creator, Man is born 
And brighter gleams the sun for him each day, 
A hand Omnipotent will lead his way. 

For sin inherent ne'er is his to mourn. 



V 



A Seer's prophetic sight of Destiny 
Is given Man, who knows and feels 
The truth, by which Divinity reveals 

The human right to Immortality. 

As we progress in our ideal aims 
And each becomes a firm reaHty, 
Then from the broader outlook we can see 

Fulfilment, in the work our Manhood claims. 

[13] 



THE UNITY OF LIFE AND SPIRIT 

Throughout all space, heights Infinite are found, 
Time is submerged into Eternity, 
Thus limitless the growth, that e'er shall be 

Within each life, where holy truths abound. 



Pure thoughts proceed from an Eternal source, 
Impressed on Man, God's message e'er to bear, 
They live forever, while all Ages share 

The deathless influence, which marks their course. 



When hearts by virtue and by love are filled, 

A unity of converse we can find 

With each sincere and earnest brother's mind, 
Above all Thought, by scholars' lore instilled. 

God's inspiration rests upon the Word, 

Which thrills and moves the life to higher ends. 
That prompts to active holiness and sends 

The noble aims, by which the heart is stirred. 

[M] 



THE UNITY OF LIFE AND SPIRIT 

VI 

From dews and darkness comes the glorious morn, 
The rising splendor of the golden day, 
So souls awakened banish night away. 

To view the hues of an Immortal dawn. 

Oh, lift thine eyes unto the mountain crest, 
E'en if thy steps tread in the vales below. 
And though keen winds amid the shadows blow, 

Thine upward glance will give thy spirit rest. 

Within each passing day lie hopes and fears. 
Aspiring Thought, the struggle of the soul. 
The conflict and the triumph, to crown the whole 

Of life with strength to meet the coming years. 

Ask not the nature of Hfe's work for thee, 
For at thy hand it Hes, all incomplete. 
Waiting thy zeal to master and to meet 

Each obstacle, o'ercome by energy. 

[15] 



THE UNITY OF LIFE AND SPIRIT 

When bowed beneath the weight of sorrow's pain, 
No words of wisdom serve for hearts that bleed, 
Philosophy is as a broken reed, 

The spirit's strength must comfort and sustain. 

Think not a martyr's cross is thine alone, 

For many touch the depths thy feet have trod, 
On many rests the loving hand of God, 

Which led thee safe o'er paths of thorn and stone. 

For stricken hearts there ever can be found 
Deep sympathy within the human heart; 
In selfish grief men ne'er should dwell apart. 

When work and love for living ones abound. 

Sing from thy heart a glad and happy song 
To herald light, that all its strains may sway 
Thy life with joy, that e'en at closing day 

The echoing cadence may be borne along. 

[1 6] 



THE UNITY OF LIFE AND SPIRIT 

VII 

Within all human life exists the seed 

For man's increasing growth, which ne'er will rest 
'Till full fruition meets his earnest quest, 

When God, revealed by His own Hght, will lead. 

We harmonize each feeling, thought and deed 
With God's Eternal, Universal law, 
If from our lives, with courage, we withdraw 

Blighting Desire, on which the senses feed. 

When 'neath a homely visage we can trace 
Lines marked by Love, in sacrifice and pain, 
That other lives might sunny heights attain, 

'Tis then the spirit's light illumes the face. 

Each man can live within the pure, white Hght 

Of grace ineffable, with trusting soul, 

A legacy of influence, to roll 
Throughout the ages, with effulgence bright. 

[17] 



THE UNITY OF LIFE AND SPIRIT 

Self isolation will not make thee free, 

'Tis Thought and Action in their strugghng strife, 
WTiich shapes the man by earnest, eager life 

To wield the power that aids Humanity. 



All Aspiration boundless scope impHes, 
We seek the Wisdom that can never end, 
Until, at length, our spirit's growth will blend 

With that Immortal Ufe, which in us Ues. 

From each good act, a greater can evolve. 
Our deeds reach out unto Eternity 
And, ever striving, Man with hope can see 

The mighty issues, that his zeal can solve. 

By self-surrender, casting from our lives 
The idols, that we worshipped long in vain. 
We find in God the strength, which will sustain 

With love, until each sinking heart revives. 

[i8] 



THE UNITY OF LIFE AND SPIRIT 

VIII 

Real issues of our lives the poet tells 

In ideal strains. With him all purpose lies 
In Infinite endeavor, e'er to rise 

To levels pure, where highest Beauty dwells. 

Sweet is the melody within the sound 

Of rhythmic line or music's highest phase, 
Lifting the soul unto the realms of praise, 

Wherein true worship ever may be found. 

True Art will e'er the inner sense reveal, 
The ideal form, in unison with soul, 
While tints, beneath the spirit's own control, 

Will all debasing aim or thought conceal. 

Grieve not for Fame, that ne'er came unto thee, 
The bHghted Kfe, that never bore its fruit, 
For 'neath thy Fate is still the Hving root 

From which to strive, with Aspiration free. 

[19] 



THE UNITY OF LIFE AND SPIRIT 

In sweet, ecstatic vision we can see 
The hopes of life, in perfect form fulfilled, 
But e'en from dreams let courage be instilled, 

To broaden work by strong activity. 

Love's tale is often read in version new 
To each who Ustens to the thrilling page, 
A tender memory in the years, when age 

Has sealed the book, to hide it from our view. 

Youth and sweet Love, the lily and the rose. 
The wine of Life, o'er brimming from the bowl. 
The bitter hours, the sad and chastened soul. 

Then Peace, the gem that in the ashes glows. 



IX 



Beneath all Art exists the primal thought 
Co-ordinate with God, e'er it became 
Embodied by expression, when Man's aim 

Reached out for Truths Divinity had taught. 

[20] 



THE UNITY OF LIFE AND SPIRIT 

Preserve thy soul in true and lasting grace, 
By Love's immortal glow within the heart, 
Let Song and Beauty be of life a part. 

Their deeper meaning ever to embrace. 



By light within, Life's precepts have been found, 
That leads to Wisdom, which in God doth dwell 
In unity with Man, each heart to tell 

Where Love Divine and Holiness abound. 



In sluggish beat, my stinted heart throbbed slow. 
Bereft of trust, of love and sympathy, 
'Till God through Man spake tenderly to me. 

Henceforth the potent springs of Life I know. 

Crave not to rest, but strive to do and dare. 
Bring all achievement to a noble end 
And utter words, that courage may descend 

To hearts that know life's suffering and despair. 

[21] 



THE UNITY OF LIFE AND SPIRIT 

Think not the ardor of impetuous youth 
Will give thee strength to conquer evil Fate, 
For only those its influence can abate, 

Whose earnest zeal is fed by living Truth. 



X 



We consecrate our lives by sending thought 
To other souls, which Hfts them to the source 
Of higher things by pure Suggestion's force, 

Bearing the message Hope and Love has taught. 

When men speak heart to heart, no barriers hide 
The revelation of all thoughts divine; 
These wait expression, as God's outward sign, 

That in Man's life His Presence doth abide. 

Check not the tide of human love and zeal 
By dogma harsh and cold. Let hearts be free, 
United in the bonds of sympathy, 

Where deeds express the faith that men may feel. 

[22] 



THE UNITY OF LIFE AND SPIRIT 

In each man's heart will harmony increase, 
In motive, deed and action, if the sense 
Of sordid purpose is hid by light intense 

From love within, by which all discords cease. 



From misdirected work the bonds arise 
That chain us to the paths of selfish greed, 
But soon the soul asserts its potent need 

In active strength, wherein stern duty lies. 

When one great love the life of Man has blessed. 
Above all cruel fate he can arise, 
To find repose and peace, that ever lies 

Within the realm, where God's own gifts are best. 

Man doubts and questions, losing faith in creeds. 
For e'er Theology can conclusions reach, 
He learns a lesson that it cannot teach — 

The ministry of Love to human needs. 

[23] 



THE UNITY OF LIFE AND SPIRIT 

XI 

Life's harmonies by God's own law unfold 
The highest strains of Aspiration, Hope, 
And Hmitless the Song's melodious scope, 

Whose deep vibrations hearts can ever hold. 

Within the heavy clouds deep darkness dwells, 
Beneath whose pall our hearts are filled with pain, 
But looking up, we see the light again, 

As sunshine on the heights all mist dispels. 

Unfolding truth no tenet can conceal, 
Man's meditation sets each precept free, 
The inner vision every phase can see 

In all progressive steps that souls reveal. 

Accept the gifts that fall within thy hands 
And double these, by giving from thy store 
Of Sympathy and Love forevermore — 

The greatest boon the human heart demands. 



THE UNITY OF LIFE AND SPIRIT 

Rise to the heights in pure and rounded grace 
Of Character — from Evil's power free, 
Clothed with the Light of Immortality, 

Thou soon shall see thy Maker face to face. 

Thou hast within thyself a conquering force, 
A weapon strong for combat, in thy might, 
'Till from the conflict rises Truth and Right, 

To lead Man near his great Eternal Source. 



XII 



Hope spreads her pinions o'er the deep abyss. 
Hiding the wrecks of dark and shattered lives, 
For 'neath these wings the vital spark survives, 

That Man may all his future fears dismiss. 

Fearless and bold we stand before Truth's door. 
With vision clear, if Faith and Trust prevail; 
By looking up our quest can never fail. 

But step by step unfolds forevermore. 

[25] 



THE UNITY OF LIFE AND SPIRIT 

The pure in heart, by each ennobling thought, 
Can rear a fortress for the human soul; 
Entrenched within, Man's spirit can control 

God's power Divine, with holy wisdom fraught. 

Let deep response within thy heart have place. 
When high, inspiring words fall on the ear, 
These messengers, perchance, to bring man near 

The sanctuary of God's lasting grace. 

Within thyself discerning power lies 

To know the Truth, which thou canst claim thine 
own, 

To bring it into sweet, harmonious tone 
With every thought and act that can arise. 

'Tis standards false, which make the spirit fail, 
\Mien foul deceit and guile stand at the door 
To quench Faith's flaming torch forevermore, 

Before whose light none should as cowards quail. 

[26] 



THE UNITY OF LIFE AND SPIRIT 

Man stands above all fate that Error brings; 

With years Immortal crowned, he knows his God, 
Nor feels himself a base, unworthy clod. 

But filled with grace to hoHness he clings. 

The soul of Man, eternal as the sun. 
Finds in itself Truth's infinite resource. 
And in Humanity the earnest force 

To onward press, 'till all God's gifts are won. 

God's revelation needs no written word, 
Within the spirit doth His Presence dwell, 
His message and His Will Divine to tell. 

By which sweet harmonies in our lives are stirred. 

XIII 

No passions e'er should leave the conscience seared, 
To stamp on life a dark and lasting stain; 
The higher nature can its strength sustain 

Within the walls, that holiness has reared. 

[27] 



THE UNITY OF LIFE AND SPIRIT 

Each triumph o'er the flesh will liberate 
The pure emotions of the human heart, 
By which we feel that our Immortal part 

Can rise supreme above all earthly fate. 



By self-communion, we will find the food 
To nourish life in all the spirit needs. 
And as each selfish thought from Man recedes, 

Deep, human sympathies will warm the blood. 

Grow strong in all the grace God's love instills 
And shield the soul behind the solid wall 
Of Faith and Truth, then natures ne'er can fall, 

But Man his highest destiny fulfils. 

Through paths of conquest will our feet be led, 
When zealous in the cause of Right we serve, 
When from ideals true we never swerve, 

*Till victory waves her flag above each head. 

[28] 



THE UNITY OF LIFE AND SPIRIT 

The soul at peace, by inner light can see 
The future realms of harmony and rest, 
A harbor safe, in regions of the blest, 

On boundless shores of bright Infinity. 

XIV 

Warp not the mind by sordid, narrow thought, 
From higher levels will pure wisdom spring, 
The infinite resource, that God will bring 

To fill the life with all His Love has taught. 

Forshadows of the risen Man we see 

In those whose lives toward perfection strive, 
Who keep each grace within the heart alive, 

Until incorporate with Divinity. 

In questions where our doubt conceals the light, 
• No true solution can we ever find 

'Till God's own Revelation to the mind 
Brings us assurance, He will guide aright. 

[29] 



THE UNITY OF LIFE AND SPIRIT 

Pierce through the walls of hard, dogmatic thought, 
That cramps the mind with effete, narrow creeds, 
For Faith must wait on Judgment, that proceeds 

From light increasing on the truths we sought. 



As men in impulse and in thought are pure, 
The ruling force within their words portray. 
Thus from the seed, they scatter in their way. 

Spring forth the precepts, ever to endure. 

In the Ideals which our aims pursue, 

We find the secret of our strength and power, 
And striving thus to reach them hour by hour, 

The spirit's true suggestion wx renew. 

Man's mind and heart! twin portions of the soul — 
His intellect with boundless, daring scope, 
With pure emotion, crowned by Love and Hope, 

All bound beneath the spirit's firm control. 

[30] 



THE UNITY OF LIFE AND SPIRIT 

We are not as men deem our outward worth, 
Nor as vain pride would wish ourselves to be, 
For underlying our Humanity, 

A Self Divine can rise above the earth. 



XV 



Men live by action firm, alert and strong. 
While pulses leap with stirring force and fire 
As deeds fulfil the earnest heart's desire 

And bring the zeal, true efforts to prolong. 

In silent realms Man's thought matures and blends 
Its essence with the universal mind. 
For then the soul unto itself can bind 

Increasing power from light that never ends. 

Let all our speech unfolding thought convey, 
A meaning deep, that lies beneath the word. 
That all men's hearts, when by true FeeHng stirred. 

Can know the precepts, souls will soon obey. 

[31] 



THE UNITY OF LIFE AND SPIRIT 

As stores of wisdom to man's mind unfold, 
Not with vain glory should he use the lore, 
But make it serve his purpose more and more, 

That life may higher aims and efforts hold. 

From morning bright Night's darkness will succeed 
And shadows fall, where sunshine once held sway, 
But on thy heart no sadness e'er will prey, 

When sympathy can reach a sufferer's need. 

Within a nature pure dwells sweet repose, 
A heart subdued to peace and soothing rest, 
With thoughts by sanctity and reverence blessed. 

By which reliant strength within us grows. 

In every heart can spring a hopeful trust. 
That darkened vision yet may see the light, 
That purer joys, which make the soul's delight 

Will guide each life by precept true and just. 

[32] 



THE UNITY OF LIFE AND SPIRIT 

Within true souls, strong energy survives, 
God-given for the deep and larger ends, 
The power and the purpose, which ever blends 

Our daily work with worship, in our lives. 

We pluck the flowers and drink Life's sparkling 
wine. 
But 'neath the outer sense, within our reach, 
Are untried gifts, God's heritage to each 

To strengthen Man in character Divine. 

XVI 

Inspiration! the opened eyes to see 

God's truths, to feel the pulse of Nature strong 
With throbbing force — the silent song — 

The hidden word — the inner sense set free. 

With reverence we seek at Nature's shrine 
The truths her presence can alone impress. 
In holy silence, all our hearts confess 

The inner strength from every outward sign. 

[33] 



THE UNITY OF LIFE AND SPIRIT 

One spirit and one life pervades the whole 
Of Nature and of Man. One hand to move 
Their constant growth and progress, e'er to prove 

The law harmonious, under God's control. 



With Nature's strains, in unison we sing 
And heed the ministry her forms reveal, 
While reaching out to listen and to feel 

The revelation, that her teachings bring. 



Fair Beauty! Nature's favored child we see 
In flowers and field, in sunshine and in stream. 
Rising on crested waves, a passing gleam 

Of earth and heaven, in mingled harmony. 

Nature's Eternal law reveals God's plan 
Of Resurrection. The frosted leaves return 
With vital force. Immortal souls will spurn 

The dust, a shroud no more for risen Man. 

[34l 



THE UNITY OF LIFE AND SPIRIT 

With hearts o'erflowing, we sit at Nature's shrine, 
Whose harmonies in close communion draw 
Men's spirits, by the universal law, 

Which guides us by a power and force Divine. 



The heart of Man, the lines of Nature's page 
Reveal the deep, inspired thought of God — 
The message from the flowers of the sod, 

The message from the soul's high heritage. 

In Nature's book the poet reads his thought, 
This revelation of an Immortal mind — 
The mysteries inspired prophets find 

In every symbol, God's handiwork has wrought. 

Man seeks in Nature all that she can teach, 
'Till deep devotion fills his ardent heart, 
Whose ecstasy, in silence, can impart 

The higher truths the human mind can reach. 

[35] 



THE UNITY OF LIFE AND SPIRIT 

Infinite the Power that rules the earth, 

Omnipotent throughout all Nature's course, 
That bides within our lives, 'till strengthened force 

Of character reveals Celestial birth. 

XVII 

Pure thought and feeling Man can liberate, 
When near to God in Inspiration's hour, 
The high expression of his inner power. 

From out Life's fullness, he can e'er create. 

God-given Thought! a child of heart and brain, 
Bestowed on Sons of Light, to help the weak. 
Oh, gifted ones! from stores of Wisdom speak 

Prophetic words of deeds men may attain. 

Let Genius, with a sympathetic strain, 

Draw near the hearts of those whom it would 

lead, 
And give the fruits, these weaker natures need. 

Their inner life, to strengthen and sustain. 

[36] 



THE UNITY OF LIFE AND SPIRIT 

Unto thy brother Man speak soul to soul, 

The Deity within strive to express, 

To highest aims thy loyalty confess 
And then thou both shall read Truth's open scroll. 

Pervading Light! existent evermore, 
Enshrines the spirit with effulgent hue 
And brings to Thought, the radiance to imbue 

With deep significance, the scholar's lore. 

XVIII 

Find true and potent strength within thine Art, 
The beauty, that can harmonize the whole 
Of Life to highest use, reaching the soul 

By all the deepest feeling in the heart. 

God broadens vision and no darkness reigns, 
For in His Sight, each troubled one can rest 
And feel the Hope, by which all life is blessed, 

And reach the Joy, true sanctity attains. 

[37] 



THE UNITY OF LIFE AND SPIRIT 

In Man's achievements, God expresses thought, 
Through all the truths of Science and of Art, 
For by His Nature, as the ruHng part. 

Humanity its greatest work has wrought. 

By inner light comes full creative force. 
The spirit's growth, which nurtures and unfolds 
The active power of mind and heart, that holds 

The strongest impulse, in Man's upward course. 

The image of a God each Man reveals. 
Who lifts Humanity unto the plane, 
Where every life such purity can gain 

That, sanctified, no more to error yields. 

The perfect Man lies deep within the mould, 
That cast his aspirations into form, 
That shaped his life, amid its stress and storm, 

To lines of Beauty, which God's hand controlled. 

[38] 



THE UNITY OF LIFE AND SPIRIT 

XIX 

Achieve the best, that lies within thine Art, 
Reach out with impulse to a noble end, 
For infinite the scope, that zeal will send, 

If God's sweet harmonies stir in thine heart. 

Be firm in will, to pure conviction true, 

Lay down foundation stones that must sustain 
The nobleness our higher lives retain. 

When characters their moral force renew. 

Above the glory of the Stars and Sun, 
Above the Elements, in wielding might, 
Man stands within the consecrated Light, 

Reflected from the great Eternal One. 

Man! Master over self can strength renew. 

Can loose the chains that hamper human life. 
Can stand triumphant over sin and strife, 

For souls to their inheritance are true. 

[39] 



THE UNITY OF LIFE AND SPIRIT 

All truth responds unto the spirit's quest, 
The senses fail, when seeking for its seed, 
But sanctified, the inner life will feed 

Upon the fruits that God, with Love, has blessed. 

From life beyond comes harmony complete. 
When songs of dawn hail with Immortal Light 
The conquest over Death, while Terror's flight 

Brings Joy and Love, when Man and Godhead meet. 

Confess not thou art baffled in Life's race, 

All Hope and Aspiration still renew. 

Through Storm and Night, thine upward path 
pursue. 
Until the sun strikes full upon thy face. 

How cold the heart, warped by Desire alone. 
The thirst for Fame, for Riches' hoarded store. 
Of FeeHng starved, while losing more and more 

True moral strength, Man's bulwark and his throne. 

[40] 



THE UNITY OF LIFE AND SPIRIT 

Think on thy Majesty, oh Man, and save 
Thy dignity by earnest, noble deeds, 
For if thy spirit quails, thy life concedes 

Its birthright to a coward and a slave. 

The Horoscope of every Man is made, 
''An heir of God" is Heaven's firm decree, 
That lifts him to a plane where he can see 

How heritage makes Manhood unafraid. 

Within ourselves a true Redeemer lies 

To bring from darkness deep each dormant grace, 
For when in life these find an active place. 

The living God in Man will then arise. 

Sing loud the Anthem of a ransomed soul. 
The song exultant over death and sin, 
That heralds Life, where Light has entered in. 

When all the clouds to outer darkness roll. 



[41] 




A PROMETHEAN PROPHECY 

(While chained to Caucasus' steep, Prometheus defiantly 
addresses Jove.) 

JTH clear prophetic vision, I can see 
Down Ages vast, until Eternity 
In bounds illimitable, the fleeting days 
Of Time will hold. Triumphant I will 
gaze 
Upon thy throne, O Jove! ground to the dust 
By higher strength than thine. Submit thou must 
To fallen Destiny, that risen Man 
The depths of all the Universe can scan. 

Blow, blow thy bitter vengeance on the wind. 
Whose hurling blasts will show no trace behind 
Of thy fiery anger. Ne'er canst thou hold 
The lightnings in thy grasp, or tight enfold 
The storm-cloud in thine arms. Thy mandates 

vain 
No hidden treasures from the Earth can gain. 

[42] 



A PROMETHEAN PROPHECY 

Rebellious to thy words of harsh command, 
The Elements, subservient will stand. 
Obedient to the wisdom of a mind, 
Which dares all latent Force to rule and bind. 

In wreaking fury, thou hast only sought 
To use these instruments of Nature, wrought 
To test Man's skill, but helpless thou shall see 
The lightning, chained by human will, to be 
In power supreme, imprisoned for the needs 
Of Progress and of Art. While in the deeds 
By Science led to victory, thou shaJt view 
Light, Heat, and Air, as forces born anew, 
Spring forth in living strength, to smooth the way, 
Where naked feet once bled 'neath Labor's sway. 
And thou shalt see no bondsmen 'neath its wheel, 
AVhen toilers rise to levels, that appeal 
To the Soul's true mission. No more to gaze 
Upon the ground, for upward they can raise 
Their eyes to Light unquenchable, to claim 
Inheritance Divine, in highest aim. 

[43] 



A PROMETHEAN PROPHECY 

Ambition new will fire the active brain, 
The years will yield their treasures back again, 
To be once more within the furnace cast. 
Brought forth in form, concealed in Ages past. 

Lord over Might, that slumbers in the ground, 
That rides the Air, whose mvsteries surround 
All Nature's realms, Man, from the occult mind, 
New laws will waken and new strength will find. 
Whereby the wheels, with all Earth's vast resource, 
Can grind the food for his unmeasured course 
On the highway of Progression. 

This fate 
Is his, that reaching forth, he may create 
From Elements and Forces in control, 
The handiworks of Genius, as they roll 
To substance and to shape; so great they seem 
A Wizard's product, pictured in a dream. 

Thus in Majestic pride will Man defy 
Opposing strength and as a conqueror lie 

[44] 



A PROMETHEAN PROPHECY 

In wait for realms, where Mind can reign 

Triumphant over Matter, there to aim 

E'en to the orbs of Heaven. Naught can restrain 

The fiery impulse, still to grasp again 

To loftier ends, still daring to achieve 

What, in thy weakness, thou couldst not conceive. 

Bow thine own head, oh Jove! and cast aside 
The trappings of false sovereignty and pride. 
Above thy power, oh thou revengeful clod. 
Revealed by inward sense, I found a God 
Near to myself, whose Presence will infuse 
The boon of Hope, which Man can never lose; 
And in the bHss a noble spirit gains, 
I rise beyond thee and thy cruel chains. 

The human soul, crowned with eternal Light, 
Shines clear above the darkness of the night 
Thou fain would spread around it, with black 

wings 
Of desolating power. 

[45] 



A PROMETHEAN PROPHECY 

• Within man springs 

The impulse of true Virtue, which can rise 
Beyond the realm, wherein Earth's vulture tries, 
With ravening force, to bear away his heart 
To dark domains of Greed — there to have a part 
With grovelling minds, to feel the sordid aim, 
The hampered thought, the blighting, withering claim 
Of Superstition's king — a thief to steal 
Man's birthright in God's image, to reveal 
Before his gaze the hideous, brazen mien, 
Beneath whose Hues dull Error's face is seen. 



Give me the knowledge, born of bitter pain, 

The suffering life, the soul without a stain, 

Uplifted far to sunny heights, to feel 

The atmosphere of God, naught to conceal 

Before His Presence, for joined to Godhead one, 

The Mortal can approach, e'en as a son 

Of Righteousness, high Heaven's mighty throne, 

To claim Immortal Wisdom as his own. 

[46] 



A PROMETHEAN PROPHECY 

By Sacrifice and Pain, he can repel 

Thy scorn and tyranny while Truth can tell 

In mighty tones the glory of the power 

Which leads to liberty. This precious dower, 

Untrammelled by false Gods, I feel my own, 

To be transmitted to my sons unknown; 

A heritage of Love, not that of Fear, 

Which God has left me. Death doth now appear 

Time's misty veil, soon to be rent in twain, 

That Hope and Joy may overshadow Pain. 

And by extended vision, my eyes can see 

Transfigured Life, within Eternity. 

Am I dragged down by chains to dark despair, 

To quail before the stings, so hard to bear? 

Or like a slave pray for a quick release 

From cruel torture, that its throes might cease? 

Oh, would my agony a thousand fold 

I felt, than that my sons should e'er behold 

Truth's standard trail the dust, or God-given Thought, 

Debased in aim, to lowest levels brought 

[47] 



A PROMETHEAN PROPHECY 

For sordid gain or e'er restricted down 
To narrow tenets — that withered crown 
Religion oft may wear. 

But Man, with pride, 
Will read the book of Nature, where abide 
Eternal secrets, waiting for the sight 
Of eyes unsealed, waiting for the light 
Of minds, regenerate by truths Divine and free, 
God's written scroll — a vast reality 
As ministers to worship, outward signs 
To inward meanings, unmistaken lines 
Of broad significance, all animate 
With that Divinity, whose Being great 
Will merge us in Himself, Evil to crush. 
The tones of Anger, Hate and Strife to hush, 
W^ile wails of Grief will cease 'neath Hope's sweet 

song 
Of loud rejoicing, resonant and strong, 
Reaching in rhythmic melody beyond 
The harmonies of spheres. 

[48I 



A PROMETHEAN PROPHECY 

Held by a bond 
Of Love, as God incarnate, Man will greet 
His fellow man, on higher planes to meet, 
Until the Spirit can triumphant reign, 
That Life its noblest destiny can gain. 

The years will bring achievement over Wrong 
And all the chains will break, which fettered long 
The Soul's free action, as Conviction true, 
With knowledge, ever widening, brings to view 
The larger needs, in Man's progressive course, 
Divine and endless in aspiring Force. 

This glorious work, created by my hand 
With primal strength, in purity will stand. 
By sharp, conflicting passions, all unstained, 
Living in noble deeds. 

This birthright gained 
Above the dust, uplifts with courage firm 
The Man redeemed by an Immortal germ. 

[49] 



TIME AND THE SPIRIT OF MAN 

J^^^^JglME cried, as he rode on the blast, 
^\J rvj^C uj j.^jg ^^^ ^Q conquer at last. 

For the works that were reared by man, 
That have stood in the days, that ran 

Through my cycle of years, all, all 

Shall crumble and fall. 

"I will weaken the stalwart frame, 
Blur the eyes with the mists that came, 
When the sound of Death's solemn knell 
Brought sadness and sorrow, to tell 
That I smite, where Love did reign 
And cries are but vain." 

Then, out of the darkness of Night, 
Rose above the ruin and blight 
A voice from the spirit of Man: 
"I see beyond Ages, to scan 

[so] 



TIME AND THE SPIRIT OF MAN 

The regions, where as a burnt scroll, 
Time's kingdom shall roll. 

"For, inspired by breath Divine, 
All the strength of a God is mine; 
Instead of the wails of sorrow, 
A song will herald the morrow. 
In whose dawn Eternity shines 
On Life's darker lines." 



[51] 




THE ANGEL OF LIFE 

CRIED to the Angel of Life, "bring peace 
to my soul, 
For rough are the waters which over 
Time's precipice roll. 
All laden with branches of bloom, Hope once left to 

me, 
To be lost in the waves, flowing fast to the fathomless 
sea." 

I cried to the Angel of Life, ''fill my cup to the brim, 
And bring the bound sheaves, with all their fullness 

therein. 
To gladden the hours, for short is the tenure of bliss, 
As fleeting in rapture as is the sweet warmth of a 

kiss." 

Thus the Angel of Life whispered close to my low- 
beating heart: 

"Rise, rise to the level of grace, where thy spirit hath 
part 

[52] 



THE ANGEL OF LIFE 

In God's essence Divine, while thy soul with immacu- 
late birth, 

From no mess of pottage must feed on the pleasures 
of earth. 

"Full strong is thy harp, and Song in its joy is elate; 
Let it thrill thee to action, in the deeds that await 
Love's noble fulfilment, by which thou shalt see 
God's Nature reflected, bringing His peace unto thee. 



[S3] 




EARNEST PURPOSE. 

[HE measure of success is found in zeal, 
Men grow by fiery impulse, in the task, 
Thrown on their hands nor can they 
stop to bask 
In sunshine, or in adoration kneel 
To idols vain, while work and purpose real 
Stand on the soul's high pedestal. We ask 
For bread, but are content, through Pleasure's mask. 
To take the stones our worldly lives reveal. 

But all can reach that higher atmosphere, 

Where each true thought survives, and clothed with 

light, 
As in a garm^t, can approach so near 
The inner sanctuary of God's grace. 
That, shining from the radiance of His face, 
Our own shall beam effulgent, pure and bright. 

[54] 




IMMORTAL WISDOM. 

[ROM every line, penned by a master hand, 
We feel the thrill of keen and wild de- 
light, 
As if the blood had caught the glowing, 
white, 
Immortal heat of genius. Awed we stand 
Before the throne of God, when in the grand 
Repose of silent thought, we catch a sight 
Of Aureoles, shining down from Heaven's height, 
To wait upon an earnest soul's command. 

But seeking light, it seems as if the rays 

Would e'en consume this frail mortality 

Of weak, impassioned flesh, which longs to see 

Immortal wisdom, as God's shining scroll, 

Infinite through ages, all unroll. 

To lead the spirit unto deathless days. 

[55] 




BROAD HUMANITY. 

HELD a hand, all wrinkled, hard and 

worn, 
And on its roughened palm my tears I 

shed, 

That I was so unworthy, to be led 
By its firm grasp o'er rocks, when sun and thorn 
Had browned and pricked the flesh, so often torn. 
In binding up the roses for my head. 
And delving deep, while I with dainties fed, 
Rejoiced because within the purple born. 

For when the man 'neath ragged garments spoke, 
Unfolding truth, as I still sat in doubt. 
My stinted nature then went reaching out 
For sustenance, and these strong words awoke 
My lethargy: ''Let God's true image be 
Revealed within thine own Humanity." 

[56I 



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